Surrounded by a very supportive community

Last updated: 

23 July 2024 12:46PM  

First published: 

27 August 2024 12:46PM

Ngunnawal woman Dani is striding towards achieving her cultural, career and life goals surrounded by a 'very supportive' community.

The teenager was one of the first tenants to move into Mari-Mari-Ba, a purpose-built accommodation precinct for First Nations women and children experiencing homelessness on Brisbane’s southside.

The complex, which includes 33 homes, a yarning circle, a children’s play area, barbecue areas and a communal hub, was delivered through a partnership between the Queensland Government and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service (ATSICHS) Brisbane.

'I’ve really enjoyed my time here so much,' Dani says. 'The team have helped identify the goals I have with culture and the goals I have with my life, and they’ve supported me so much through it all. My case worker Reen is lovely, always checking in and making sure I’m ok.'

Dani had spent 4 months in a women’s shelter and is now studying community services and working with disadvantaged young people.

'The end goal is to do a major in social work at uni,' Dani says. 'I’ve always been very passionate about helping other people my age and younger kids as well, as a young person who has experienced challenges. I want to share what I can.'

Dani says that having stable, secure housing also means she can return to competitive hip-hop dancing and painting. She’s looking forward to meeting more of her neighbours and learning more about her culture, especially traditional dance.

'I’ve always loved dance – I’ve been dancing since I was a little girl. There’s a different feeling where you can put your feelings into movements, and then perform them as your own.'

The designs for Mari-Mari-Ba were developed in consultation with ATSICHS to make sure that the space was culturally responsive for the First Nations women and children who would be staying there. Building cultural safety is one of the ways we’re working to close the gap for First Nations peoples living in Queensland by 2031.

If you or someone you know needs housing help

Call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or contact your local Housing Service Centre.

If you are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness, contact the Homeless Hotline for free on 1800 474 753 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

Find out more about housing help and support.